The International Space Station (ISS) is a multifunctional research laboratory orbiting Earth, a joint venture between several national space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). Construction of the ISS began in 1998, and since then, it has served as a platform for research and experimentation in microgravity, addressing various disciplines, including biology, physics, astronomy, meteorology, and other sciences.

The ISS orbits Earth at an approximate altitude of 408 kilometers (253 miles), completing about 15.5 orbits per day. This unique position enables scientists and researchers to conduct experiments that would be impossible under terrestrial conditions. Additionally, the station serves as an important testing ground for technologies essential for long-duration space missions, such as the planned journeys to Mars.